Career Center

Title:                                   Assistant Director of College Counseling/Teaching Faculty

Department(s):                 College Counseling Office

Reports to:                         Director of College Counseling

FLSA Status:                       Full-time, Exempt, Faculty

About Portsmouth Abbey School

Portsmouth Abbey School is a coeducational Catholic boarding and day school for students in grades 9 through 12. Founded in 1926 by the English Benedictine Congregation, the School is located on a 525-acre campus along Rhode Island’s Narragansett Bay, less than 30 minutes south of Providence and 20 minutes from Newport. Portsmouth Abbey combines a classical education in the Catholic intellectual tradition with Benedictine values. With 350 students, the School believes that the love of learning leads to the desire for God, and that the quest for intellectual understanding propels students to the search for ultimate meaning. The School is known for encouraging students to engage passionately in academic and intellectual pursuits, innovative electives and extensive opportunities in athletics and the performing and visual arts as well as a commitment to service and a focus on things that matter. Students are inspired to become the next generation’s leaders, stewards, innovators and problem solvers all the while grounded in Benedictine values of love of God and neighbor, humility, hospitality and a desire to serve the common good.

Job summary:

Portsmouth Abbey School seeks an Assistant Director of College Counseling beginning on July 1, 2023. The successful candidate will work both individually and as a team member of the College Counseling Department to serve the needs of a portion of the student body with particular emphasis on the Fifth (junior) and Sixth (senior) Forms.  The counselor will guide students and families through all elements of the college search and selection process.  Duties will include, but are not limited to, maintaining regular communication with students and parents, meeting with students and/or parents individually and in small groups, working with students’ advisors and teachers, writing letters of recommendation, advocating for students with college admission personnel, assisting in planning and executing various programs for students and parents, visiting a broad range of colleges each year, and assuming a role in professional organizations.  

The ideal candidate will hold a bachelor’s degree and possess some experience in the college counseling or college admission field. He or she will also exhibit excellent organizational abilities and oral and written communication skills. Other duties include: teaching two sections, coaching one season, advising, and participating in residential supervision, to include either assistant houseparent duty or affiliate and weekend chaperone duty.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree desirable

• 2+ years of direct college counseling experience (or its equivalent)

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Excellent analytical and interpersonal skills

• Willingness to work as part of a team in all aspects of the job

• Willingness to travel

• Secondary school teaching experience

• Familiarity with Independent Boarding Schools (particularly in New England)

• Understanding of, and commitment to, the Portsmouth Abbey School mission

Physical Demands:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly is required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to walk. The employee occasionally is required to stand; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or climb. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds.

Other Qualifications:

• All prospective employees must be able to clear a background and reference check.

Benefits to include:

Salary:                                                       Commensurate with experience and education.

Benefits:

Pension (403b):                                         PAS contribution of 10%; employee contribution of 1%, after 2-year waiting period (waived with prior educational experience)

Health insurance:                                      United Healthcare; Waive, $3,100 stipend

Dental insurance:                                      Delta Dental

Life insurance:                                            equal to one year’s salary

Short-term disability (TDI):                        paid by employee and administered by State of RI

Long-term disability:                                  90-day qualifying period; 60% of salary; $7,500 maximum monthly benefit (conversion privilege)

AD&D:                                                         per policy

Employee Assistance Program:                   free and confidential

Tuition remission:                                        100% tuition remission

Position open until filled.

Please email a letter of interest and resume to:

Aileen Baker

Dean of Faculty

abaker@portsmouthabbey.org

No phone calls please.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree desirable

• 2+ years of direct college counseling experience (or its equivalent)

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Excellent analytical and interpersonal skills

• Willingness to work as part of a team in all aspects of the job

• Willingness to travel

• Secondary school teaching experience

• Familiarity with Independent Boarding Schools (particularly in New England)

• Understanding of, and commitment to, the Portsmouth Abbey School mission

Physical Demands:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly is required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to walk. The employee occasionally is required to stand; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or climb. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds.

Other Qualifications:

• All prospective employees must be able to clear a background and reference check.

About Portsmouth Abbey School

Portsmouth Abbey School is a coeducational Catholic boarding and day school for students in grades 9 through 12. Founded in 1926 by the English Benedictine Congregation, the School is located on a 525-acre campus along Rhode Island’s Narragansett Bay, less than 30 minutes south of Providence and 20 minutes from Newport. Portsmouth Abbey combines a classical education in the Catholic intellectual tradition with Benedictine values. With 350 students, the School believes that the love of learning leads to the desire for God, and that the quest for intellectual understanding propels students to the search for ultimate meaning. The School is known for encouraging students to engage passionately in academic and intellectual pursuits, innovative electives and extensive opportunities in athletics and the performing and visual arts as well as a commitment to service and a focus on things that matter. Students are inspired to become the next generation’s leaders, stewards, innovators and problem solvers all the while grounded in Benedictine values of love of God and neighbor, humility, hospitality and a desire to serve the common good.

Connections working at Portsmouth Abbey School